Fertility issues can be incredibly challenging and heartbreaking for individuals or couples trying to conceive. There are several diagnoses that can impact fertility, and pelvic floor therapy can be a helpful intervention in addressing these issues. In this article, we will discuss diagnoses that can impact fertility and explore how pelvic floor therapy can be a beneficial treatment option.
Diagnoses That Directly Impact Fertility for Women
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, often in the abdominal cavity. This can cause significant pain and discomfort and can also impact fertility by blocking fallopian tubes. While pelvic floor therapy cannot fix the growth of the uterine tissue or infertility, it can be helpful in addressing pain associated with endometriosis. Pelvic floor therapy can also help make fertility treatment and the conception process more comfortable and successful.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause ovarian cysts and impact fertility. It can also cause other systemic complications that can impact pelvic floor function and overall health, such as painful and/or irregular periods, pelvic pain, and pain with sex. Pelvic floor therapy can help to alleviate PCOS symptoms by strengthening the pelvic floor.
Diagnoses That Directly Impact Fertility for Men
Varicocele
Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the scrotum become enlarged, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the testicles and impact fertility. Pelvic floor therapy can help improve blood flow to the pelvis by using manual techniques, mobility exercises, and education.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
ED can be caused by various factors, including pelvic muscle spasms, decreased blood flow to the pelvis, and tissue mobility. Pelvic floor therapy can help address these issues to improve erectile function.
Diagnoses That Indirectly Impact Fertility
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can be a significant barrier to intercourse and childbearing. Pelvic floor therapy can help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation in the pelvis through manual treatment, mobility exercises, and central nervous system downregulation.
Pain with Sex
Being able to have successful intercourse is a critical factor when trying to conceive. If intercourse is painful or uncomfortable, the likelihood that a person will be able to engage in intercourse at the necessary frequency is low. Pelvic floor therapy can help reduce pelvic pain and improve blood flow, tissue flexibility, and muscle mobility, allowing for comfortable intercourse.
Incontinence
Incontinence can impact one's confidence to engage in intercourse, and this can have an indirect impact on fertility. Pelvic floor therapy can help reduce incontinence, which can increase confidence and improve the ability to engage in intercourse.
We Are Here to Help
Fertility issues can be challenging and can impact many aspects of an individual's life. Pelvic floor therapy can be a helpful intervention in addressing some of the physical and emotional challenges associated with fertility issues. By addressing diagnoses that impact fertility and addressing related pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic therapy can provide a path forward for individuals seeking to conceive. If you are struggling with fertility issues, don't hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a pelvic health appointment.
Other Resources
The DIY: Walk of Hope is a fundraising event for RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Friends, families, and other groups organize DIY Walks of Hope to honor those who have been touched by infertility in order to:
Bring people together in your local area to support the infertility community
Raise awareness about infertility and RESOLVE
Improve the lives of people living with infertility
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine offers answers to frequently asked questions, videos, fact sheets, and booklets, as well as a place to find a healthcare provider in your area.
Ariela Liberman is a Marketing Associate and a staff writer for Resolve Wellness, with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies. Born and raised in San Diego, she is a Southern California native with a passion for writing, digital marketing, health, and wellness.
Reviewed by Rebecca (Becca) Jacobs, MS, OTD, OTR/L, who is an occupational therapist that brings a new treatment approach and experience to the Rehab United team. She studied at Boston University, where she earned the trifecta of degrees in occupational therapy including her bachelor's, master's, and post-professional doctorate. Becca is one of three occupational therapists in San Diego who specialize in pelvic health occupational therapy, a discipline that is new to the field of occupational therapy.